VICTOIRE! – “Victory”. The special issue published for Victory Day by the daily Libération de Paris – Soir, on May 8, 1945 – Victory Day. The front page is printed over a large color illustration featuring the Statue of Liberty, the American flag, and the flags of Russia and Britain.
On the left side of the front page appear, verbatim, the clauses of the German surrender agreement signed the day before: 1. We, the undersigned, acting on behalf of the German High Command, hereby surrender unconditionally to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command, all land, sea, and air forces that are now under German control…”. Further down, under the headline “The Day of Glory and Justice”, appears a powerful article marking the long-awaited moment: “Let us salute all the dead and all the victims of this terrible war, who fell prey to the delusions of a madman seeking world domination.” On the right, General de Gaulle’s victory message is reprinted in full. The second page features a detailed report on the surrender event: “On a modest country table at the vocational school in Reims, the surrender of proud Germany was written, ” accompanied by descriptions of the shame that overcame the senior Nazi officials at the moment of signing. At center, a photograph of the school building with the caption: “The Reims Vocational School: Here, on May 7, 1945, the pride of criminal Germany surrendered.” And more.
The day prior, on May 7, General Alfred Jodl signed Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Western Allies, with the agreement set to take effect on May 8 at 23:01 CET. May 8 thus became the official Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), celebrated in France, Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and across Western Europe. In France, crowds poured into the streets of Paris, Nancy, Lyon, and Marseille.
[2] pages. Complete issue. 61 cm. Fold marks. Minor tears along the fold line. Good condition.
